Process and apparatus for the production of motion-picture films



Mar'ch 25, 1924. 1,487,862

A. LA FRENIERE PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MOTIONPICTURE FILMS Original Filed Anril 27. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Zlnuen f01;

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-March 25 1924.

A. LA FRENIERE Hzocsss AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MOTIONPICTURE FILMS Original Filed April 27. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 PatentedMar. 25, 1924.

UNITED STATES 4. 1,487,862 PATENT OFFICE.

ARCHIE LA FRENIERE, OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MOTION-PICTURE FILMS.

lpplication filed April 27, 1922, Serial No. 557,016. Renewed November14, 1923.

T 0 all whom it may concern I Be it known that ARoHrn LA FRENIERE,citizen of the United States, residing at Seattle, in the county .ofKing and State of \Vashington, has invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Processes and Apparatus for the Production ofMotion-Picture Films, of which thefollowing is a speci fication.

This invention relates to a process and apparatus used'in the productionof motion picture films, being directed particularly to providing arelief background, which is so constructed that the representation ofobjects to be photographed as fixtures in the particular scene may beformed on this background in such a manner as to be brought out inrelief in the photograph.

Furthermore, by the process and apparatus described, pictures usuallyrequiring an out-door setting, may be as conveniently and readily takenin the studio, without sacrificing any of the natural effects.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is a rspective view, illustrating the'method anapparatus.

Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing a slightly different arrangement ofillumination.

Fig. 3 is a plan view, illustrating the use of a. light cut-off plate. I

Fig. 4 is a similar view, showing the use of the cut-off plate for apart area only of the relief plate.

Fig. 5 is an elevation of the relief plate.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged section of the same on line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

The process of the present invention is directed to providing what maybe termed a relief plate, on which there is applied plastic material,and in which material the outline of the fixed objects to bephotographed is cut or formed. This outlining renders the objectdistinct as to form, and the clearnes with which the object is sought tobe photographed may be determined readily by the quantity of material onthe relief plate which is scraped away. For example, if clouds are to berepresented and photographed, such clouds will be outlined by suitablestencil or instrument work in the plastic material on the relief plate,andif these clouds are to show very distinctly in the photograph, a veryconsiderable portion of such plastic material within the cloud outlinewill be scraped away.

The relief plate is lighted from the rear, that is, from the plasticmaterial side and directly opposite the camera. The objects thus formedon the relief plate may be brought to a stage of illumination that willcause them to be photographed with the desired degree of sharpness.

The process is carried out by providing a relief plate 1, preferably arigid sheet of glass, on one surface of which there is pro vided plasticmaterial 2, such for example, as putty, potters clay, or similarmaterial. The fixed objects of the contemplated picture, as trees,clouds, sun, moon, or the like, are then outlined in the plasticmaterial 2, as for example, as indicated at 3, Fig. 6. It is understoodthat the plastic material may be built up at varying points on the plateto different degrees of thickness, and that any part of the pictureoutlined may be given In connection with the relief plate, there isprovided a system of artificial lighting, indicated generally at 4 and5, it being the intention to provide these lights for independentcontrol as at 6 and-to be rtable so that any particular portion of t eplate may be lighted with any degree of intensity. Sun light may ofcourse be used in lieu of these artificial lights, the rays of sun lightbeing controlled in any desired or usual manner to be directed at will,in. any degree of diffusion, or directness, on any part or parts of theplate. v

The invention readily lends itself to that orifice in motion picturereproduction known as the fadeaway. To the observer, the picture, or aportion thereof, appears to gradually become dimmer and dimmer untilobliterated. With the improved relief plate, an opaque cut-ofi' 7, maybe used and mounted in any way so that it may be brought to a ward oraway from the relief plate, and the light or source of illumination 8positioned so that the use of the cut-off will gradually obliterate thelight from the picture, or reversely, if desired, gradually admit thelight By the use of this cut-off, the rays of light 8 may be graduallyadmitted or gradually out off from the outline of the moon on the reliefplate, and hence in the reproduction, the moon will appear to graduallyincrease or decrease in light effect.

The camera 11 is arranged on the plain side of the relief plate, thatis, the side opposite the plastic material, the picture being taken inthe usual manner, including of course any animate objects that may benecessary in the picture.

Claims:

1. The herein described process, consisting in providing a relief plate,having a plastic material side, outlining inanimate objects in saidmaterial, lighting the plate from the material side, and photographingthe plate from the'plain side.

2. The herein described process, consisting in providing a relief plate,having a plastic material side, outlinin inanimate objects in saidmaterial, provi ing the desired relief for said ob]ects by controllingthe depth to which the material is cut away, lighting the plate from thematerial side, anid photographing the plate from the plain s1 e.

3. In combination, a relief plate having plastic material on one side topermit-the outlining of inanimate objects therein, means for lightingsaid plate from the plastic material side, and a baflle plate for saidplastic material side to govern the volume of light rays passing throughthe outlined objects in said plastic material.

In testimony wherwf I afiix my si ature.

ARCHIE LA FRENI RE.

